Netanyahu accuses Palestinian Israeli parties of election theft; commission: no systematic fraud

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Palestinian Israeli politicians of trying to steal the election while voters were still at the polls.

His party, Likud, accused them of intimidation, electoral fraud, bribery and relying on foreign interference. Israel’s home security agency, Shin Bet, is investigating accusations that Qatar and Turkey had been funding Palestinian Israeli parties. However, the election commission says there is no evidence of systematic election fraud, and Qatar has categorically denied any involvement.

Palestinian Israelis voted in large numbers. Turnout was 80%, the highest since the 1990s, and they won a record 19 seats.

Likud won the most votes but has no majority, so the Palestinian Israeli parties could become kingmakers. Netanyahu’s main rival, Benny Gantz, said the accusations were made because Likud lost and has no majority.

Next week, Israel’s president will task someone with forming a government.

Al Jazeera’s Imogen Kimber reports.

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